Patrick Lalime

I'm having a little bit of disbelief that I'm writing this slide, but Pat Lalime has also done a great job when he's been needed.

Buffalo fans are used to groaning whenever they hear that Lalime will be starting in net, but as of late he's proven to the fans and team that he can be depended on.

Great starts and wins against Chicago and St. Louis have been bright spots for Lalime, with the highlight of his season so far being last night's game against Pittsburgh. More about that game later.

After a conditioning stint in the AHL, Lalime stepped in and surprised even the harshest of critics, myself included. His success means so much to the team—especially now that he's earned the trust of the coaches.

Buffalo can depend on Lalime, which will be crucial in the times leading up to and following the Winter Olympics.

I expect to see Lalime starting in net many more times before the year is out.

Buffalo 4, Pittsburgh 3 (12-29-09)

There are very few games in which one can say that a team "makes a statement". However, for the Sabres fans that watched this game, it was something absolutely remarkable.

After trailing 3-0 in the second period, coach Lindy Ruff elected to pull goalie Ryan Miller and send Patrick Lalime in.

With a penalty shot, opportunistic goals and a powerplay tally, the Sabres stormed back and chased the Penguins out of HSBC Arena with four unanswered goals to win the game.

Every cylinder of this team was firing after Lalime was put in goal. The entire game's dynamic changed, and the Sabres re-awakened to dominate the game and rally for the win.

Four straight goals and the Sabres' backup between the pipes to take down the defending Stanley Cup champs? That is a statement game. It wasn't luck, or chance. That was pure, unadulterated skill and will.

I'm doing my best not to brag, but that kind of game is the type that gives fans hope. And pride. The entire team came together to show what exactly these Sabres can do.

Heading into 2010, the Buffalo Sabres have a lot going for them—and here's to hoping the Blue and Gold keeps rolling.